Constitutional monarchy made easy: who does what?
Confused about who actually runs the UK? Here is the test-ready way to remember it: the monarch is Head of State; elected leaders govern. Below, you will see exactly who does what after an election, when laws are made, and at the State Opening of Parliament — all aligned with the Life in the UK Test guide.
Use this as a concise reference while you study, and combine it with mock tests for faster recall. New to the exam? Start with our overview: What is the Life in the UK Test? and the Definitive Syllabus.
Start here: the UK’s constitutional monarchy
The UK is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy: the monarch is the Head of State, and the government is run by elected representatives in Parliament. This structure is the core idea the Life in the UK Test expects you to know.
In practice, this means:
The monarch performs formal and ceremonial duties and acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and ministers.
Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords) makes laws.
The Prime Minister leads the government and is responsible for day-to-day policy and administration.
For the test, remember: power rests with the democratically elected Parliament and the government it supports, while the monarch’s role is constitutional and formal.
Monarch and Parliament at a glance
How the parts fit together in law-making:
House of Commons: elected MPs debate and vote on bills.
House of Lords: appointed members review and suggest changes.
Royal Assent: the monarch’s formal approval makes a bill an Act.
Tip for recall: Commons propose and decide; Lords review; the monarch completes the formal step. This sequence appears in many exam questions.
Scenario 1: After a general election
After voters choose MPs, the party that can command a majority in the House of Commons forms the government. Here is who acts and how.
The monarch’s step
What does the King do? The monarch invites the leader who can command a majority in the Commons to become Prime Minister. This is a formal constitutional act consistent with the UK’s system of parliamentary democracy.
The PM’s step
Powers of the Prime Minister (as covered in the guide) include leading the government, choosing government ministers, and directing the work of the Cabinet. The PM sets the government’s programme and is accountable to Parliament.
Quick steps to memorize (for featured snippet):
Election results determine who can command a Commons majority.
The monarch invites that leader to be Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister selects ministers and forms the Cabinet.
The new government sets out its plans and brings bills to Parliament.
If you want a rapid refresher on how the UK moved toward parliamentary supremacy, skim our high-yield history overview: British history, simplified, and for pivotal moments, see the English Civil War to 1688 guide.
Study smarter, not longer: Many learners feel overwhelmed by the volume of facts. The Life in the UK Test App condenses official content into short sessions and tracks your readiness so you know when to book the test. Try a few questions now in Real Q&As you can expect, then switch to the app for full mock tests.
Scenario 2: A new law is passed
From policy idea to law, Parliament and the government do the heavy lifting. The monarch’s role is the final formal step.
Government policy and the bill
The Prime Minister and Cabinet shape policy and introduce government bills. Bills are debated and voted on in the House of Commons and reviewed by the House of Lords.
Formal approval
Royal Assent is the monarch’s formal approval that turns a bill into an Act of Parliament. For the exam, treat Royal Assent as a ceremonial-constitutional step: it is required to complete the law-making process.
Process recap for quick learning:
Government drafts a bill based on policy.
Commons debates, amends, and votes.
Lords reviews and suggests changes.
Both Houses agree on the text.
The monarch gives Royal Assent; the bill becomes law.
Scenario 3: Opening of Parliament
At the State Opening of Parliament, the monarch delivers the King’s Speech, outlining the government’s programme for the coming session.
Symbolic vs executive roles
For the Life in the UK Test, contrast the roles this way:
Monarch (ceremonial/formal): Opens Parliament and gives Royal Assent.
Prime Minister and ministers (executive): Write the policies and bills described in the King’s Speech and carry out day-to-day government work.
Must-know distinctions for the test
These contrasts appear frequently in exam questions. Keep them crisp and factual.
Head of State vs Head of Government
Definition for quick recall (featured snippet-friendly):
Head of State Head of Government The monarch; performs ceremonial and formal constitutional duties. The Prime Minister; leads the government and its policies. Opens Parliament; gives Royal Assent. Chairs the Cabinet; chooses ministers; introduces bills. Non-political role in day-to-day governing. Accountable to Parliament and the public through elections.
Who leads policy and the Cabinet?
The Prime Minister leads government policy and the Cabinet. Ministers run government departments and are responsible to Parliament. Remember: policy direction and daily administration come from the elected government, not the monarch.
Related context you may see in the guide: the legal system is independent of government and Parliament, local councils deliver many services, and the police enforce the law fairly. These help you place the PM’s executive role in the wider system.
Check your understanding (guide-aligned)
Answer these quickly without looking back. If you hesitate, review the matching section above and try again.
Who is the UK’s Head of State, and who leads the government?
Which House of Parliament is elected and how many MPs does it have?
What is Royal Assent and what does it do?
After a general election, who invites the new Prime Minister to form a government?
What does the King’s Speech set out at the State Opening of Parliament?
Use the Life in the UK Test App to lock it in
Memorizing roles is easier with short, targeted practice. The Life in the UK Test App turns the official handbook into quick sessions and mock tests so you learn faster and avoid costly retests.
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Helpful references while you study
Overview of the UK system in plain language: UK is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
Historical background that aligns with the guide’s emphasis on Parliament’s supremacy: The monarchy and the modern constitution.
FAQ
Is the monarch the Head of State?
Yes. The monarch is the UK’s Head of State; the Prime Minister leads the government.
What does Royal Assent mean?
It is the monarch’s formal approval that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of Parliament.
Who forms the government after an election?
The leader who can command a majority in the House of Commons is invited by the monarch to become Prime Minister and form a government.
Who writes the King’s Speech?
The government. The monarch reads it at the State Opening to outline the government’s plans.
Which House is elected?
The House of Commons is elected by the public; the House of Lords is made up of appointed members.
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